The Best Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs You’ll Ever Make
Few dishes deliver the hearty comfort and indulgent flavors of a classic Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs. This easy, family-friendly recipe takes everything you love about a traditional spaghetti dinner and transforms it into a cheesy, oven-baked casserole that’s bursting with flavor. Featuring juicy, homemade meatballs, layers of rich marinara sauce, and plenty of gooey melted mozzarella, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The spaghetti absorbs the flavors of the sauce as it bakes, creating a dish that’s savory, comforting, and packed with deliciousness. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a special gathering, this baked pasta will be an instant favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe
This recipe is easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and great for feeding a crowd. Baking the spaghetti infuses every bite with deep, rich flavors, while the meatballs remain juicy and tender. The layers of cheese melt beautifully, creating a gooey, bubbly topping that’s impossible to resist. Plus, this dish is great for meal prep—leftovers taste even better the next day!
Secrets to Making the Best Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs
The key to perfect baked spaghetti lies in layering the ingredients correctly so that every bite is packed with flavor. Use al dente pasta, as it will continue cooking in the oven and absorb the sauce without becoming mushy. To ensure juicy, flavorful meatballs, mix the ingredients gently and don’t overwork the meat. Baking the meatballs before adding them to the casserole enhances their texture and locks in moisture. For an extra cheesy and golden top, broil the casserole for the last few minutes of baking.
Ingredients for the Best Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, then roll into 1-inch meatballs. Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. While the meatballs are baking, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large baking dish, spread half of the cooked spaghetti, then layer half of the marinara sauce, half of the baked meatballs, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil for added flavor and a beautiful finish.
What to Serve with Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs
This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. A glass of red wine or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon makes the perfect drink pairing.
Customizations and Variations
For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or use spicy Italian sausage in place of ground beef. If you love extra cheesiness, mix ricotta or cream cheese into the spaghetti layers for a lasagna-inspired texture. You can also swap out spaghetti for penne, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs. For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and opt for a low-fat cheese blend.